Loving Lord Bridgerton

Chapter Eleven

I didn't even get to eat breakfast when Dorota told me that my mom called me to visit her for tea. She must have seen how worried I looked because she tried to make me feel better. The problem is when Dorota wants me to feel better, she tells me some Russian story that I can't be certain is true. "My mother is cruel, but I don't believe she will water board me." I told her and Dorota slightly shrugged, mumbling something in Russian as she turned away from me. She's taught me some Russian, but she's very careful what she lets me know.

After breakfast, I went to my mother's house. It was a beautiful day for it. I could hear her laughing with someone from the drawing room. I made my way towards the sound to find her sitting on the couch across from an older gentleman. He was slim man, his hair more gray than black with a receding hairline, and a long beard matching in color. When they noticed me, they both stood up from their seat. "You must be Charlotte." The man said and I nodded.

"Yes, this is my beautiful daughter," My mother said, walking closer to me and wrapping her arm over my back. She nudged me closer to to the man. "Charlotte, darling this is Lord William Pettaton."

I smiled at him, holding out my hand, "It's nice to meet you."

He took my hand in his, "It's very nice to meet you as well." He leaned down kissing the back of my hand. "It's been a long time since I've seen such a beautiful woman."

I quickly took my hand back, feeling my stomach turn, "Thank you." The way he looked at me made me feel...dirty. Like one of my uncles, he looks like my uncle Martin in a few years, were looking at me like some piece of meat.

"Let's have tea," My mother said, bringing me to the couch with her. We sat down and Lord Pettaton sat back in his chair. "Charlotte is a smart woman. She knows what is expected of her and she is more than willing to handle it," I looked over at her confused. I feel like there is something I am missing.

"I will admit that does make it easier for me," Lord Pettaton chuckled. "I've been so busy focusing on my job. I haven't thought much about a wife. But I think you will make a fine leader of my household."

My mother smiled, "I'm going to go check on the biscuits." She stood up from the couch and then something click. Me. Him. Alone in a room.

"I will join you." I quickly said, making my way behind her before just as she reached the doorway.

"Oh, n-" My mom tried to stop me, but I was out the door before she could finished. We stepped out to the other side of the door and I stopped looking back at her.

"How dare you," I made sure to keep my voice down.

"Excuse me?"

"You think to leave me in a room with a man to force me into marriage."

My mom slightly shrugged, "I was simple checking on the biscuits."

"You never check on the biscuits. The only reason they aren't out already is because you told them not to bring them out right away."

My mom sighed, "I am not fighting with you, so yes, I was trying to force your hand. I'm not going to go through another one of your meltdowns. I'm getting too old for it."

"He is the same age as father, maybe even older."

"Men can produce children for a very long time, and he has no children yet."

I could feel my face wanting to turn red with anger. "Is everything alright ladies?" I heard Lord Pettaton's voice and I held my breath.

I put a smile on my face, looking over at him, "Yes, but am afraid I forgot an appointment I must attend." I moved, keeping a distance between us as I moved closer to the door. "Lord Pettaton, it is so nice to meet you, and I'm so sorry to cut our time short."

"I hope we will do this again."

"As do I." I lied completely before turning around and running out of the door. Dorota caught up to me as I reached end of the walk way. "My mother had gone completely mad!" I told her before walking in the direction of the park. "That is the only way to explain it. She is mad!"

"Miss. Charlotte, you must keep your voice down." Dorota said as we walked into the park.

"This is one of the worst days of my life, Dorota! Don't tell me keep my voice down!" I may have yelled at her for this, but then I decided that she was right. I can't let just anyone hearing how mad my mother has become. That is a very dangerous thing to do.

So, I just let the two of us walk in the park in silence. At least until I heard someone call my name. I looked over to see Benedict wave at me. "Benedict, am I very glad to see you," I said, smiling at him and Benedict gave me a confused look.

"Are you feeling alright?"

I looked at him with the matching level of confusion, "Why would you ask me that?"

"You're never that happy to see me."

I let out a deep breath, starting to walk through the park with him, "That's not true, but I've had a very bad day so far making you the light of my day."

"What happened?"

I lightly shook my head debating what I could actually tell him. I know Benedict wouldn't say a word about what I tell him, but it doesn't take much for a man to feel like they can fix a woman's problems. There will be no fixing this problem. But I don't think I could go with talking about it, "My mother just tried to force me into a marriage with a man the same age as my father."

"I'm guessing you aren't enjoying that idea."

I snorted, "I didn't expect to be happy about the arrangement, but what could she be thinking?"

"That you need to get married."

I shook my head, choosing to ignore him. "I don't know what to do."

"Maybe you should tell someone that can help."

I quickly shook my head, "There is no one that can help. My mother doesn't like listening to reason."

"Maybe Anthony can."

I snapped my head towards him, "He has nothing to do with this."

"He might be your way out."

I shook my head again as I looked away from him, "He can't help me." For him to help me, I would have to expect him to change plans of his own life. I didn't have it in my heart to ask him to do that. I don't know what he plans on doing when it comes with his future. One thing I know without a doubt is that I don't want to keep him from falling in loving with the woman he's going to marry in his future. I can't do that to him, his future wife, and his future children from having the best father.

I made it back to the Bridgerton house not wasting any time on anything, but finding Eloise. Once I did, I took her hand, pulling her out of the room with me. "Where are we going?" Eloise asked just letting me drag her around. I wonder if this is what it's like to have a little sister.

"We are going to find me a dress and then a husband even if it kills me," I stated, smiling back at her. "You said you wanted me to stay."

"If that's how we are going to do it, then I am willing to do what it takes."

I smiled at her, walking out of the house. I don't know what's it all going to take, but I'm going to do whatever I have to do. I will not marry Lord Pettaton. That is something I know for sure. Something I cannot and will not let go.